Isack Hadjar relives Abu Dhabi 2021 heartbreak for Lewis Ham...

Isack Hadjar has discussed his reaction to the controversial end of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, admitting he was "smashing the TV" as he watched the end of the race play out. Despite being part of the Red Bull family and set to race for the team in 2026 beside Max Verstappen, he admits he still has "mixed emotions".

Speaking on The Red Flags Podcast over the weekend of the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix, the Racing Bulls rookie described his reaction to the season-ending race in 2021, where Verstappen took the title, ending Lewis Hamilton's reign.

"I was alone in my room," he said. "There's no cameras, there's no mic or anything, there's just me in front of my screen, smashing the TV, and that's it.

“But obviously I was happy for Red Bull because at the end of the day it's not Mercedes that gave me a shot at F1. They didn't sign me. So I felt bad for him… But mixed feelings.”

The young driver has often spoken about Hamilton as being his childhood hero.

“I remember when I was watching TV as a kid, I was like, 'I hope he doesn't retire,' you know? Like... I want to get there once he's still racing.

"Actually, my first year in F1 is his first year with Ferrari, so it's quite iconic in a way.

"I'm just very lucky because I never thought I would be racing with him. I thought he would retire, I'd get to F1 later. And now to be here and racing him is just... It's a huge privilege.

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Photo by: Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images

"I got to race him as well a few times this year."

While he has incredible respect for Hamilton, he added he'd never "open the door" for the seven-time world champion.

Since he started the 2025 season, his first year in the championship, he's made a solid name for himself with 51 points to his name and a podium finish. This performance has been closely watched by Red Bull, which has now promoted him to a seat beside the Dutchman.

"It's a very good moment in my career, that's for sure," he told the media ahead of the final race of the season. "For all the hard work through the years being rewarded now.

"Obviously, it's just the beginning of a new journey. But I'm very excited and stepping into a new era of Formula 1 as well. I think it's very good timing."

Photos from Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday Practice

Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos

Formula 1

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